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I swear Hawaii must have been crafted specifically to be the best wedding location ever. How else can you explain the grassy land and swaying palm trees that just so happen to rest atop a cliff that overlooks the ocean like at the Olowalu Plantation House? Coincidence? I think not. And the romantic love story behind these nuptials is a sure sign that everything leading up to these two tying the knot has been pure fate. Kaua Wedding Photography has captured every moment and you can find it all in the gallery right here.

From the Bride… Bryan and I met as teenagers in 1997 in the hallways of Burlingame High School. We were high school sweethearts for two years (we have the prom pictures to prove it!) before Bryan graduated in 1999 and we went our separate ways. Fast forward a decade to 2009, and thanks to a message on Facebook, Bryan and I reconnected over dinner. Sparks flew, and two years later he popped the question, surprising me during a friend’s photo shoot with a proposal and an impromptu engagement party with our close family and friends. (He knows how to make a girl happy!) We always knew we’d have a smaller destination wedding in Hawaii. Bryan basically said, “Will you marry me… in Hawaii?” I am only half kidding! Bryan has family there, and my family has vacationed on the island for many summers. With my father’s passing in 2010, we wanted a place that he loved and where we both had a connection — Maui!

When I first drove up to Olowalu, I knew it was the place. There was no other place I could see us getting married. A fun fact is that my now-husband was actually not on that trip to Maui, so he didn’t see Olowalu until he drove up to get married! If that doesn’t say love, I don’t know what does. He trusted me, and we agreed that it was by far the most beautiful wedding site we had ever seen. And lucky us, it was ours. Once we found Olowalu Plantation House, the wedding planning fell into place with the fantastic recommendation of Lori and Jamie Lawrence and Jackie Tanaka of Tropical Maui Weddings. I knew very early on that I wanted a rustic, Hawaiian, garden party type of wedding. Bryan and I both like a clean palette and didn’t want to take away from the gorgeous Maui Olowalu setting with overly tropical decor – greens, tans, and lots of white and cream were central when conceptualizing the look and feel of the wedding. Once I connected with Lori, Jamie and Jackie, they knew just the photographer who would capture our day with grace – Kaua! After I was introduced to his website and we chatted over email, I just had a feeling it would be a great match, and we were right! I think the photos speak for themselves.

So many wonderful moments! Getting ready with my best friends, my sister and my mom. Holding my beautiful bridal bouquet wrapped in my late father’s tie. Walking across the grass with my mom and looking up to see the very first love of my life, my high school sweetheart and now my soon-to-be husband, standing at the end of the aisle waiting to marry me. Listening to Bryan’s touching vows. Our first dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” and just dancing, dancing, dancing with everyone until the last call. And finally, holding hands and running through the sparklers held by our amazing friends and family! My advice to other brides is to trust who you are working with when planning, and let go of the small things. Be present in your planning, and be present at the wedding, too! Having a destination wedding allows you to spend real time with your guests, and it’s an incredibly overwhelming feeling to know that your closest friends and family flew over an ocean to be with you to celebrate such a special occasion. We will always look back on our wedding day and wedding weekend with deep love and gratitude. Aloha and mahalo to everyone who celebrated with us!